correct exposure with studio lights?

[archie]

Hello forum,
I have just purchased my 300D and I am new to this forum. I would like to take studio shots of small products under two studio modelling flash lights. I need to know how to guage the correct exposure without the assistance of a flash meter. I know I can set my white balance and use a grey card to set correct exposure from ambient/fixed light but how do I do this accurately with studio flash lights? I would really appreciate any advise or direction to a source of information on this topic or any tips on product photography in general.
Many thanks.
Archie

[stopbath]

I can't think of an accurate method to meter flash output without using a flash meter.

Check for used meters, or perhaps a rental might work. Sekonic, or Minolta have been making them for years so there should be a lot out there used.

[Yance]

Without a flash meter you are pretty much stuck with trial and error. Take a picture and view it on the camera screen. Make f-stop or light adjustments as necessary. You are better off getting a meter IMO.

[w10d]

As mentioned already, without a flash meter you are down to trial and error. If you intend to use the same lighting setup repeatedly this isn't a problem - I knew one fashion photographer who only used 3 different lighting setups in the studio. Not sure if he owned a flash meter. Easy to check your exposure with digital, (pay particular attention to the histograms).

However, a basic flash meter isn't expensive, and it's pretty much essential if you want to know what is going on with anything other than simple setups - you'll probalbly learn a lot using one (and save time).

[phili1]

With a Digital Camera it is very easy. Put your white balance on flash or if you have a 10D or the like set your white balance for 5500 to 6000K, that represents daylight at noon time, and flash units are calibrated for that.

The proper exposue with a digital can be seen so you can adjust.

I do not know what your units ratings are but a 300 watt unit at half power about ten feet from subject into an umbrella is about F5.6 and I usually shoot at 1/60 sec or 1/90. Put your camera on manual use that as a starting point and adjust your aperature till you have what you want.

[msvirick]

I wonder what is the price range of these flash meters. If looking for used ones what should one expect tp pay?